World Campus International, Inc.

My three weeks at World Campus International was nothing I have experienced before, nor probably will again. Due to a lack of word count, I will try to summarise my thoughts below in a somewhat concise manner: I applied for the program since I had previously visited Japan as a tourist, but craved a deeper understanding of Japanese values shaped society, family and industries - in an effort to come closer to the ”in-between-the-lines-culture”. What a tourist never sees. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed. It was my first exchange outside of academia, and my first time staying at host-families houses, so I really had no idea or expectation coming into experience. I will admit I was a bit nervous about staying at someones house, anticipating having to put s lot of effort in keeping up appearances and remaining respectful. While this is of course part of the exchange, the result was something else entirely. All three families opened their arms for me, welcoming me as their daughter for a week. We cooked together, we played together - we even went to the hospital together! They cared so well for me when I got sick, something I am so thankful for. They made me feel safe in a foreign environment, guiding me through the do’s and dont’s of Japanese day-to-day life. Most of all, I am so grateful for the exchange of values, etiquette and thoughts during my host stays. Furthermore, the host families were always highly engaged in what the Local Organising Committee had planned for us in each city - schedules that you could tell were specifically thought out prior to our arrival. One could also tell that the local staff in each city were so eager and keen on caring for each participant - all while showing their city’s proud achievements. While the schedules were most often packed, so much care had been put into it, to give us the best image and experience of Japan. Do not get me wrong, this program challenged me in ways I did not expect. But, as I started to reflect, it also made me grow as a person. Putting oneself in uncomfortable situations, what with a language barrier, in an environment one is not entirely familiar with, does tire you after a bit. However, pulling through, and reaping the rewards of the hard work was perhaps one of the most fulfilling things, now that I have finished it. I think what surprised me the most was how close one could become both with locals, but also the attending staff and participants during the course of three weeks. It is truly bittersweet that I will not meet everyone in the same context again (…never say never!), since I really enjoyed the time we spent together during the activities. Whether it was practicing the thank-you event for the host families and LOCs, or to chatting around during lunch, or goofing off while folding origami. I came into this program with a lot of personal ambitions, but left with a much broader, comprehensive understanding of not only Japanese society, but about myself, others and how to work together as a team. So, if anything, I would recommend World Campus International not only for the exclusive insight one gets behind the curtains of the otherwise highly glamourised and touristy Japan , but also for the amazing friends you make along the way - whether its your host families, or fellow participants! And to the incredible people I met - see you in October!

I had already visited Japan three times before joining this program, and felt like I was lacking in crucial experiences. I took a risk with applying to this program and attending. I had very few expectations for what my experience would look like. This program completely changed my idea of Japan and allowed me to live with various families and become part of the family. That in itself is something special. When I signed up, I didn’t have huge expectations. I just wanted to practice my Japanese and maybe discover a few places tourists would not know about. But what I got was so much more. From the unique and engaging curriculum to the unforgettable host family experience and the incredibly warm, welcoming community, every part of the program made me feel like I truly belonged. If you’re on the fence or unsure about what your experience might look like, take the leap. Trust the process. The staff and community volunteers go above and beyond to make it meaningful, fun, and unforgettable. Whether it’s your first time in Japan or your fourth, this program offers a whole new perspective that you just won’t get as a tourist. I joined for one reason and left with memories, friendships, and a deeper connection to Japan.

My goal for this program was to immerse myself into the Japanese culture, and get to know it from this inside out. I achieved this and so much more. I loved the time i spent with my host family. They taught me so much about Japanese culture, especially about the cuisine. I asked questions about the food and recipes, and they took me to the store to buy them together and give information about the ingredients. The activities were also really fun. I got to see parts of Japanese culture that I wouldn’t have seen if i had planned my trip to Japan myself again. I especially loved the summer festival experience, and afterwards doing fireworks with my hostfamily.